Italian coach Giovanni Solinas is delighted that his club Algerian club JSM booted Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko out of the African Champions League.

The Algerian minnows stunned the Porcupine Warriors after a 1-1 in the second leg clash of the 1/16th round in Kumasi on Sunday, to advance on the away goal rule after 1-1 aggregate tie.

Midfielder, Michael Akuffo fired Kotoko into the lead on the stroke of half time before Mohammed Derrag grabbed the much-needed equalizer to cut short the continental ambitions of the twice African champions.

The Italian admitted the encounter was very difficult as his defence was kept under constant pressure throughout the game.

“It was a difficult game and the weather too did not help us. The players were tired but they fought on. I’m very satisfied with the performance of my players,” Solinas told GNA Sport.

The Algerians will face last year’s losing finalists, Esperance of Tunisia in an-all North African meeting at the next round, and Solinas reckons that will serve their biggest test yet.

“The next stage is difficult. We have a young team and a small squad. In football, everything is possible,” he said.

The exit of Asante Kotoko closes the chapter on Ghana’s participation in the continental club championship after regional rivals, Edubiase were bundled out of the CAF Confederation Cup at the preliminary round.